September 5, 2019 

TULLY, NY – Michael S. Bridenbaker, Sr, 62, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday evening, while traveling in Seattle, Washington. 

He was born December 20, 1956 in Syracuse, NY, son of Charles and Mary Ann Kranock Bridenbaker. He was educated at Cicero/North Syracuse Schools and Onondaga Community College. 

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from January 1974-August,1976, achieving the rank of Fireman, and saw service in the Mediterranean during the Cyprus Conflict aboard the USS Guam (LPH-9), receiving an honorable discharge. 

He was a member of the North Syracuse Fire Department from 1978-1981 and NAVAC Ambulance from 1981-2003, serving as Deputy Director for three years. 

Mike became a nationally registered paramedic, working for Eastern Ambulance for ten years from 1976-1986.  When Onondaga County Sheriffs’ Department initiated the Air-One Emergency Helicopter program, Mike was recruited as one of the elite seven first flight paramedics, providing over 7,500 hours of direct service to Onondaga County. 

Mike worked as a police officer for the City of Syracuse from 1986-2006, earning the Medal of Valor in 1992.  In addition, he received bureau, department and division commendations.  He worked with the Emergency Services Unit, the SWAT Team, and the Airport Division. 

Following his retirement from the police department, Mike served as Airport Security Coordinator at Syracuse Hancock International Airport for three years. 

Mike was currently serving as a Fire Commissioner for the Tully Fire District, and was Chairman of the Board for two years.  He secured significant grant funding to benefit the community. 

He is survived by his lifetime companion of 35 years, Marley Barduhn of Tully, two daughters, Hope Messer of Solvay, and Brittany Woolshlager (Matthew) of Fairmount, one son, Michael Bridenbaker, Jr. (Jessica) of North Syracuse, his mother, Mary Ann Bridenbaker, brothers Edward and Patrick ( Robin ), and six grandchildren, including Crystal, Brandon, Evan, Michael, Elizabeth, and Molly of the Syracuse area, as well as other extended family.  Mike was predeceased by his father, Charles Bridenbaker and an infant son, Steven. 

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, rock music, and spending time with his family and friends, at home in Tully and in Alexandria Bay and Florida.  He especially enjoyed his volunteer EMS activities at Woodstock ‘94 and ‘99. 

Calling hours will be held Thursday, September 12^th, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, at the Kruger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd, Mattydale.  A calling hour will also be held Friday, September 13^th, from 1- 2pm at the Costello Funeral Home, 113 Church St, Alexandria Bay, NY. The funeral service will begin at 2pm, with the Rev. Richard G. Reed officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Highland Park Cemetery, Alexandria Bay. 

Memorial donations may be made to Tully Fire District, 1 Railroad St, Tully, NY 13159, Attn: Cheryl Wayne, Secretary/Treasurer in lieu of flowers. 

September 4, 2019

Alexandria Bay, NY – Gail A Edwards, 69, passed away at home, Wednesday morning, after a brief illness. She had been under the care of her loving family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Gail was born November 25, 1949 in Binghamton, NY, daughter of Anson and Mary Hartman Hawley. She was educated in Alexandria Bay schools.

 Gail lived for much of her adult life in Colorado, married to Harold Wright. Following Mr. Wright’s death in 2013, she returned home to live in Alexandria Bay and care for her mother.

Besides her mother Mary, with whom she resided, she is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Josh (Sarah) Kolz, Elizabeth, CO, a son, Dale (Kim) Williams, Highlands Ranch, Co, a brother, John (Stacie) Hawley, Mellette, SD and six grandchildren.

There will be no services. Burial will be in Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

September 27, 2018

WELLESLEY ISLAND, NY

Ronald J. Mowers, 67, of Sunset Drive, passed away Thursday afternoon at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, after a courageous battle with a glioblastoma multiforme.

He was born August 19, 1951 in Rochester, NY, son of Ronald F. and Margaret Brizendine Mowers. He graduated from Gates-Chili High School and attended Corning University.

Ron was plant manager for Pilot Industries Metal Production Division, in Manchester, MI, retiring in 1996.

His first marriage to C.J. Farley ended and he was remarried to Anne Wilcox Dower on November 5, 1998 in Boca Raton, FL.

Ron had a lifelong passion for the St. Lawrence River and one of his greatest pleasures, was taking his grandchildren fishing. Continue reading →

September 22, 2018

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY

Richard J. Chaltain, 65, passed away Saturday evening at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. He had been a patient since September 12^th.

He was born in Alexandria Bay on January 11, 1953, son of Jack and Pauline Kramer Chaltain. He graduated from Alexandria Central High School and then from Jefferson Community College with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He worked as a chef at Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY as well as for several other local establishments.

He donated his time at the Alexandria Bay Food Pantry as well as P.A.Y.I.T., a nonprofit organization in Alexandria Bay. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and playing his guitar. He was a huge sports fan who loved the NY Giants, NY Rangers and SU Basketball. Continue reading →

September 19, 2018

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY

Gary D. Rogers, Jr, 53, of DingmanPoint Road, passed away Wednesday afternoon at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, where he had been a patient since September 12th.

He was born August 8, 1965 in Alexandria Bay, son of Gary D. and Marilyn Kendall Rogers. He graduated from Alexandria Central High School. Continue reading →

Alexandria Bay, NY

September 17, 2018

Phillip H. Roberts, 42, Greenhouse Road, passed away Monday morning at his home under the care of Hospice.

Phillip was born on July 15, 1976 in Neptune, NJ, the son of Edward L. Jr. and Patricia Jean Jarvis Roberts.  He graduated from Auburndale High School in Auburndale, Florida.  He lived in Alexandria Bay for eight years and worked as a carpenter for KPR Mechanical in Alexandria Bay.  He was a skilled carpenter and avid outdoorsman.

Phillip is survived by his mother, Patricia Skelley, Lakeland, FL;his fiancé Leslie Kernehan, Alexandria Bay; son Phillip Roberts, Dyersburg, TN; daughter Shelby Roberts, Bartow, FL; brother, Edward (Christy Sargent) Roberts, Alexandria Bay; and sister Patricia J. (Matt) Barrett, Bartow, FL; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 21^st at 11 am at The Church of the St. Lawrence, 7 Fuller Street, Alexandria Bay, with Rev. Jack Andersen, officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Phillip’s name to the Church of the St. Lawrence.

September 10, 2018

Collins Landing

William L. “Bill” Berry of Collins Landing East passed away Monday morning at the age of 91 at Samaritan Keep Home, after  a brief illness.

Bill was born on September 1, 1927 in Auburn, NY, the son of Edgar L. “Ted” and Frances Potter Berry, and first came to the River at the age of five.  This was the beginning of his never-ending love of the River.  He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1945 and then served in the US Army from 1946-1947.  Following the service, he graduated from Cornell University in 1949 earning a BS in Chemistry and graduated from Michigan University in 1955, earning his Masters and a PhD in Organic Chemistry.

Bill married Jean E. Campbell on September 2, 1950, the love of his life for 68 years, at the First Baptist Church in Ithaca.

He began his career as a chemist for American Cyanamid Plant in Bound Brook, NJ.  In 1988, after 33 years with the company, he retired after serving as President of several divisions including Formica Corporation. Continue reading →

Hammond, NY

Ellen “Mary” Amyot, Lake St, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, September 15^th at her home.

She was born in Brasher Falls, NY, daughter of Harold P. and Ellen Mary Connolly Kennehan. She graduated from St. Lawrence Central High School. Later in life, she graduated from JCC and went on to graduate from the Syracuse University nursing program in 1996.

She married Joseph Edgar Amyot on June 6, 1964 in Brasher Falls. The couple owned and operated the family farm on County Rt. 1, until they sold in 1998.

Mary worked as a telephone operator for NY Telephone in both Potsdam and Ogdensburg, as a young woman. She also worked as a postal clerk in Chippewa Bay. She worked as a RN for Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, Hospice of Jefferson County, E. J. Noble Hospital in Alexandria Bay, and United Helpers in Ogdensburg.

Besides her husband Edgar, she is survived by two sons and their wives, Michael and Ann, of Mebane, NC and James and Marjorie, of Baltimore, MD, a brother, Rev. John Kennehan and a sister, Helen Stearns, both of Brasher Falls, and four grandchildren. A brother, Phillip Kennehan predeceased her.

Calling hours will be Wednesday evening, September 20th, from 5-8pm at the Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 am Thursday, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Hammond. Burial will follow at Fineview Cemetery, Hammond.

Evelyn Hardy Rae, 91, of Otter Street, Alexandria Bay, passed away Sunday at her home under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.

Evelyn was born in Lake Placid, NY on February 5, 1926, the daughter of Glenn and Emma Hough Hardy.  She graduated from Lake Placid High School. She married Andrew R. Rae on April 4, 1946 in Lake Placid.  Mr. Rae passed away in 1997.

Evelyn was an operator at New York Telephone, then became a receptionist at E.J. Noble Hospital in Alexandria Bay, and later worked as a secretary/receptionist at Keewaydin State Park, Alexandria Bay.

She was a member on the Edgewood Resort bowling team for many years, was a sports enthusiast and loved NASCAR.

Evelyn is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Glenn and Mary Hardy, Lake Placid, NY; nieces, nephews, cousins, many lifelong friends, and her dog Sassy.  She is predeceased by her sisters, Nancy Mullarney and Joy Marshall.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 13^th from 10-12 noon at Costello Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm at the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles with Pastor Kerri Weldon officiating. Burial will follow at Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Evelyn’s name to the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, 54 Church St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

Alexandria Bay

September 8, 2017

Jack Ely, 80, lifelong resident of Alexandria Bay, passed away Friday morning at his home.

He was born August 1, 1937 in Alexandria Bay, son of Fred and Rene Trickey Ely. He graduated from Alexandria Central High School in 1956. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was owner of Ely Electric Inc., which he founded as a young man. A marriage to Nola Rogers, ended in divorce. He later married Virginia Kring. Ginny predeceased Jack in 2005.

He was a member of the Alexandria Bay American Legion, the Alexandria Bay Men’s Golf League, and was an avid outdoorsman.

He is survived by two sons, Danny of Redwood and Gregory of Alexandria Bay, two step-sons, Tim (Dianne) Kring, Alexandria Bay, and Tad (Catherine) Kring, Naples, FL, a brother, Danny “Boomer” of Redwood, two sisters, Mrs. Gerald (Joan) Bristol and Mrs. Joe (Linda) Bazinet, both of LaFargeville, and three grandchildren. His longtime companion, Jane Carmon, with whom he resided, also survives him. Jack was also predeceased by a brother, Robert, and three sisters, Verna Daniels, Betty Irwin, and Jean Paige.

A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, September 16^th at2 pm at the Alexandria Bay American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department or to Hospice of Jefferson County.